In fact, drug use would become far more widespread and rampant. Our models on this are alcohol and tobacco. They represent extremely serious health hazards. Why should we add cocaine, marijuana, etc., to this spectrum of potential physical and psychological disaster?

Marijuana is clearly addictive, is responsible for behavioral, intellectual and cognitive deficits, and is responsible for severe side-effects to the pulmonary, reproductive and immune systems as well." (E. Voth, M.D., FACP)

"Pro-legalization advocates appeal to emotion, not reason. Legalization or decriminalization is not drug reform; it is drug retardation, taking us back to the lax drug policy of the 70's." (R. Peterson, Esq.)

"Those who would legalize drugs fall into two categories -- Pollyannas who are incredibly naive or uninformed, or children playing with matches. Legalization is a Pandora's box, which if opened would unleash a tide that will sweep away prevention and treatment." (D. Risley, Esq.)

"The greatest danger of legalization is to our youth. Adolescents are the most difficult to diagnose and treat. Many slip through the cracks. The window for learning is gone; opportunities are lost. It is impossible to regain those years -- too late to become an engineer, astronaut, physicist. The legalization debate is sparked by marijuana, and inherent in marijuana use is denial. Some Harvard individuals are selling their denial."

(D. Spencer, M.D.)